LET’S TALK

Humans are complex, unique creatures, but if there is one thing that is vital to each and every one of our morning routines, it’s getting dressed. Some of us don’t think much of it; mixing patterns and textures, while others are already thinking of what they’re going to wear while in bed the night before. But what is the point of all of this if these clothes fall apart and turn up in landfills?

Attending university will introduce you to countless new people, interests, and opportunities, making it one of the best opportunities to reinvent oneself in many ways, style being an important one, as it is one of the first few things people notice upon first look.

The temptation to create a new persona to detach yourself from your past image can be difficult to resist, especially in London, the fashion capital, along with Paris, Milan, and New York. Walking in London is an experience in itself: anywhere you look, you will see something you’ve never seen before, whether it be a crazy hair colour, a hyper-luxury bag, or jewelry from a cryptic brand.

MY STORY

In 2020, I moved away from my small town in Switzerland to attend the University of Westminster. I was used to seeing people don athleisure daily, in non-neutral colours for the more adventurous ones. Meanwhile, I dyed my hair purple and wore Doc Martens and flared pants, which earned me a lot of weird looks, but I knew this was my style and didn’t want to change it simply because my classmates thought it was weird. That’s also another reason I wanted to move to London: I knew people embraced their personal styles there, and I was excited to be completely myself away from judgment, but things didn’t turn out exactly as I expected them.

The sudden change in environment left me completely discombobulated: everywhere I looked, people were dressed in inimitable, crazy attires, and the problem was I liked them all, even more than the clothes in my own wardrobe. I started questioning myself: did I even like what I was wearing? I came to the conclusion that the only way to find the answer was to try on clothes I wouldn’t usually wear, and that is when my shopping addiction started…

When I lived with my parents, I couldn’t purchase everything I wanted because they would see the shopping bags, but also because the trendy items always made it to Switzerland two to three years late, but in London, the trends started here, and without parental supervision, I could shop at my heart’s (and my bank account’s) content!

Because of COVID, most physical shops were closed, so I resorted to online shopping, something I had never used before, and soon enough, I ended up on Amazon and AliExpress. I was shocked at how low the prices, especially compared to the Swiss prices! Soon enough, I had added over 100 items to my cart, but I had put myself on a £100 limit, so I removed (with difficulty) 80 to 90 items. After waiting two weeks, I started receiving my packages. Already, I was shocked by how much material as used: every package was wrapped in at least 2 plastic covers. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the items, however 50% of the items fit odd: I wouldn’t have purchased them had I been able to try them on prior, unfortunately, the return process is difficult, lengthy, pricey, and in a foreign language, so I resigned to keeping the items in my closet or giving them to friends who liked them.

Fast forward to now, out of 10 to 20 items, I only wear two or three. The rest simply do not resonate with my style. When I look at these clothes, all I see is how dated they are, and how much I tried to fit different aesthetics that weren’t true to me, solely because I had an identity crisis when moving to London and compared my clothes to everybody else around me, because it was the first time in my life I was surrounded by other people who cared about style.

I regret purchasing these clothes because whenever I see them, all I can think of is how much waste was create just for these pieces to collect dust in the back of my closet.

FAST FASHION AND HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE

The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter globally, and since 2021, major shipping companies have struggled to keep up with growing demands and delivering packages worldwide. The global supply chain will reach its breaking point soon, unless consumers reduce their online shopping expectations. This is unlikely to happen in the UK as it is the country where we buy more clothes per person than anywhere else in Europe.

206 tonnes

of textile waste produced by the UK yearly

3.1 kilograms

of textiles thrown out by each Briton yearly

But there is a solution to breaking free from the shackles of fast fashion and micro trends, while reducing chemical pollution, building your personal style, saving money, and supporting charities: thrift shopping!

With over 4 thousand second-hand stores, there is nowhere better than the UK to shop ethically. A lot of these shops are charities that support causes that fund cancer research, mental health visibility, and animals’ rights.

If you struggle to find good items in thrift/charity shops, you may want to go to vintage stores instead. Their collections are meticulously curated, but everything is still second-hand. Some popular stores are Atika, Rokit, Traid, and Beyond Retro. There are multiple locations all over the UK, and some shops also have online websites.

If you still prefer to shop online rather than physically, there are apps made for you. On Vinted, Depop, eBay, and Reliked not only can you purchase clothes, shoes, and accessories, you can also sell your own! Talk about a circular economy…

If this piqued your interest but you aren’t sure how to start second-hand shopping, check out this article, which features expert thrift shoppers who can give you some tried and true tips!

REFERENCES

Igini, M. (2023). The Environmental Impact of Online Shopping | Earth.org. Earth.org. Available from https://earth.org/online-shopping-and-its-environmental-impact/ [Accessed 2024].

Miller, I. (2022). 10 Influential Thrifters to Follow for Sustainable Fit Inspo – Daybring. Daybring. Available from https://daybring.com/stories/influential-thrifters/ [Accessed 2024].

Moore, D. (2020). UK named fourth largest textile waste producer in Europe. Circular Online. Available from https://www.circularonline.co.uk/news/uk-named-fourth-largest-textile-waste-producer-in-europe/#:~:text=Findings%20at%20a%20glance,are%20disposed%20of%20in%20landfills. [Accessed 2024].

Oxfam GB. (2021). New Shocking Facts about the Impact of Fast Fashion on our Climate. Oxfam GB. Available from https://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam-in-action/oxfam-blog/new-shocking-facts-about-the-impact-of-fast-fashion-on-our-climate/#:~:text=11%20fast%20fashion%20facts%20and%20statistics&text=That%20amount%20produces%20nearly%2050,around%20the%20world%20900%20times. [Accessed 2024].

Sabanoglu, T. (2021). Secondhand goods stores in the UK 2021 | Statista. Statista. Available from https://www.statista.com/statistics/295914/number-of-second-hand-goods-stores-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/#:~:text=Over%20the%20time%20period%20observed,increase%20from%20the%20previous%20year. [Accessed 2024].

The post FASHION EMERGENCY: Wear Your Impact On The Planet first appeared on wbsdigital.

Essentials for winter layering | Layering types of warm fabrics | Formals / Casuals | Work / Leisure

Don’t you know what time it is?

It’s the most beautiful time of the year.

It’s time to go through your closet and bring out all of the richly textured garments you’ve been storing all summer and start mixing and matching.

It’s no surprise that fall and winter are the trendiest seasons for men: you get to wear more refined designs.

 Winter is a season when you enjoy being cosy and warm all day, so all of your winter clothing comes out of the closet to keep you warm. Winter is known as the season of layers because layering is so important. In cold winters, layering helps you stay warm and cozy all day long so that your everyday activities are not hindered.

Hold on however!

Bring it on!!!

Is it easy to layer, in your opinion? You are wrong if the response is “yes.” Although layering can seem easy and uncomplicated, it is actually more difficult than it seems.

Layering is difficult because you may believe your layered attire is wonderful, but you may not know how strange you appear to the outside world. Strati is enjoyable because it allows you to experiment with different materials and layering styles. Layering is also not difficult. Layering will be straightforward and enjoyable for you if you choose the proper layers and combine them correctly. Let’s briefly go through some intriguing layering techniques.

11 Dope-ass layering ways and fabrics for Men in winter

• Knitted blazer Layering

Given that offices are chilly in the winter, you should wear knitted blazers. Knitted blazers appear like regular blazers but will keep you warm in the winter chills and will complement your formal work attire, giving you a corporate professional image.

• Shearling coat Layering

Shearling jackets are by far the cosiest winter coverings. They are really soft and well worth the money. These jackets will keep you warm in the worst winters while still looking stylish whether worn over a turtleneck or with a neck scarf draped over your neck.

• Leather Jackets Layering

To appear stylish and be warm in the winter, all you need is a leather jacket. Leather jackets have been popular, particularly in the winter, since they give both style and warmth. They’re also worth it because they go with everything from a turtleneck to a hoodie or a casual tee.

• Puffer Jackets layered Over tees

Puffer jackets, also known as quilted jackets, are packed with synthetic fibers and provide next-level warmth. Combine them with a shirt for a warm, relaxed style.

• Layering with Cardigans

Cardigans are unavoidable when it comes to layering. They appear sophisticated and are ideal for making a statement. On days when the weather drops, you can wear a cardigan instead of a turtle neck.

• Scarf over a turtle neck

Layering does not have to be limited to jackets and coats. Scarves work well as layers in the winter because you can drape them around your neck and keep warm while also looking good.

• Wool blend waist jacket

Wool blend waist jackets are ideal for those who dislike long coats and cardigans but still require adequate warmth. In the dead of winter, you button them up and you’re packed with warmth.

• Cut sleeve puffer jacket

When temperatures get slightly freezy you can always go for a cut sleeve puffer jacket over a tee.

• Cable Knit Sweaters

In the winter, the most common layer is a cable knit sweater. When made of wool rather than a synthetic blend, cable knit sweaters look chunky and provide adequate warmth. Cable knit sweaters are pullover sweaters that can be easily layered over shirts and t-shirts.

• Sleeveless Puffy waistcoat

In the winter, the most common layer is a cable knit sweater. When made of wool rather than a synthetic blend, cable knit sweaters look chunky and provide adequate warmth. Cable knit sweaters are pullover sweaters that can be easily layered over shirts and t-shirts.

• Bomber Jackets

Bomber jackets are classic wardrobe essentials. They look flattering and attractive on tees, shirts, or anything else you wear them on. They keep you warm while also being one of the most fashionable winter layers.

Dressing for work in the winter can be difficult at times. You must ensure that you are both comfortable and warm while also looking fashionable. A change in season should not prevent you from maintaining your fashion game. Wearing a jacket, coat, or scarf will keep you warm while also improving your style.

Here are the 5 Best Winter Fabrics to Add to Your Winter Wardrobe…

• Corduroy

Corduroy, best known for its wales, is a soft, thick, and comfortable fabric that will elevate your winter fashion game. The versatility of this winter fabric is its best feature.

• Cashmere

Cashmere is the most expensive winter fabric, but it is well worth the price! If you ask us how it is made and why it is so expensive, we will tell you. Here’s the solution! Cashmere is derived from the soft undercoat of goats that have been specially bred to produce the wool.

• Flannel

Flannel is a lightweight fabric that is ideal for the fall and winter seasons. It used to be a popular choice for work attire, but now flannel shirts and pyjamas are everyone’s favorite.

• Fleece

The modern fleece is a polyester-based fabric. It is one of the softest and warmest fabrics, keeping you warm all winter. Because of its versatility, this fabric is the most widely used in the textile industry.

• Leather

Leather is a “all season fabric” and a popular choice for many people. When it comes to outerwear, it is also a popular choice. A genuine leather fabric will keep you warm by trapping and retaining your body heat. It’s a very warm and comfortable fabric that also looks stylish.

When you make interesting choices, layering becomes a fun game. I hope this article has helped you find the right layer for your winter outfit. Please share our article with your friends and contact us if you have any suggestions. Also, take a look at some of our favorite blue fall outfits.

Thank you for your time. Hit like, share and comment

Also let us know if there’s anything more you’d like to add to the list in the comment section below (:

The post How to Layer Up in Winter: Guide for Men 2022 first appeared on wbsdigital.

The fashion industry is among the largest industries in the world. It also contributes disproportionately to environmental pollution, accounting for approximately 10 per cent of greenhouse-gas emissions globally (1).

For this reason, significant changes to the industry are necessary, beginning with creating an awareness of sustainable fashion practices.

Sustainable fashion is both a method of manufacturing and a change movement in the fashion industry itself, with a focus on its connection to ecology, social justice and integrity. Therefore, sustainable fashion can be complicated to understand. And yet, it has a significant effect on the entire supply chain, from producers to consumers to recycling facilities. This makes it paramount to have a comprehensive guide.

Significance of Sustainable Fashion

1.Reduced garbage waste in sustainable fashion

First of all, one reason for sustainable fashion’s significance to the industry is that it reduces waste. A large amount of textile waste ends up burned or dumped in landfills. Most of these textile wastes are created by a fast-fashion industry that frequently introduces new trends at cheap prices and with poor-quality products.

In addition, sustainable fashion aims to produce long-lasting, quality-based products, which reduces the amount of trashed textile materials and thereby cuts pollution and increases recycling. Not adopting sustainable fashion practices could lead to the extinction of future industries in the sector. Consequently, a focus on a circular economy is essential to the fashion industry’s future.

2.Employees working conditions in sustainable fashion

Moreover, sustainable fashion also provides better and safer working conditions than fast-fashion products. Many fast-fashion products are manufactured under punitive working conditions, which include long hours for employees, poor health and safety conditions, barely livable wages (especially in developing countries) and even the exploitation of child labor, based on the need for a more and cheaper workforce to meet manufacturing demands (2). Sustainable fashion, by contrast, ensures that individuals experience proper working conditions and fair wages (3).

3. Sustainable fashion saves water

Furthermore, sustainable fashion is also crucial because it saves water in both washing and manufacturing. This is significant in an industry that consumes a major amount of water. In addition, the fashion industry pollutes freshwater by draining toxic chemicals into waterways (1).

Besides, sustainable fashion advocates for policies that reduces water usage when manufacturing and processing clothes. Moreover, sustainable fashion products are primarily made using organic textiles like linen and cotton, which require limited to no water in production. What’s more, costs incurred by manufacturers of sustainable fashion products are lower than those of non-sustainable fashion products (4).

4. Sustainable fashion protects and balances the ecosystem

The production of sustainable fashion also protects the animal ecosystem (2). In addition, the threat to animal safety is a major concern, because each animal plays an important role in ensuring that the world is habitable. The fashion industry also influences animals’ ability to survive (1). The manufacture of products using leather and fur, such as shoes and fur coats, compromises the co-existence of animals by reducing certain animal populations.

Moreover, the pollution created during fashion production additionally affects the animal ecosystem. Hence, sustainable fashion reduces the exploitation of animals by using alternative materials. Therefore, to create a sustainable fashion market, it is important for individuals to adopt green fashion, which proposes to protect the environment. It should be noted that Green or Eco friendly fashion is about making clothes that take into account the environment and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry.

How to Improve Sustainable Fashion

i. Application of technology in the fashion industry

Some in the fashion industry have recently developed modern technologies that are transforming the industry. In the first place, several fashion brands have acknowledged their responsibility for waste management and reducing environmental pollution. Although most of these advanced technologies have not yet been declared viable, their development is meant to minimize the use of raw materials and thereby customers’ consumption of those materials.

For instance, some in the sustainable fashion industry have developed trial processes that enhance the breakdown of material fibres to their initial components. These are then re-fabricated into different fibres that can make new garments of similar quality. Subsequently, this would reduce reliance on the original fibres (5).

Apart from this, other brands have developed an advanced technology that generates raw materials from parts of plants and uses them in production instead of depending on animal materials like leather. One advantage of this transition indeed is that it creates attractive new investment opportunities within the fashion industry. Thus, the sustainability of fashion will be determined in part by the guiding process of investments and business owners’ evaluations of appropriate investment strategies to improve their competitiveness in the market (3).

ii. Adoption of second-hand fashion products

Each of us needs to reduce clothing waste

Tips for reducing your closet’s impact on the planet

1. Buy less and keep clothes longer.

2. Buy second-hand.

3. Invest in sustainable brands if you can.

4. Stay away from big oil’s fabrics.

5. Repurpose old clothes.

Additionally, operating a sustainable fashion business requires the organization to promote where they have done it correctly and communicate their progressive sustainability goals. Therefore, some brands have adopted renting and swapping fashion products instead of ensuring that individuals own each piece of clothing. Obviously, this is applicable and has grown due to the increased market of second-hand clothes, which helps disposal of fashion products to protect the ecosystem.

Moreover, the United Kingdom Environmental Audit Committee (UKEAC) claimed that in 2016 there were over 300,000 tons of discarded clothes in the UK alone (2). Therefore, changing customer behavior can help reduce this (6). For example, some brands have adopted renting and swapping fashion products instead of promoting individual ownership of clothing. This practice has grown along with the increased market for second-hand clothes, both of which reduce the disposal of fashion items and protect the ecosystem (7).

iii. Improvement of working conditions and development of policies

Overall, sustainable fashion businesses have the added advantage of higher worker recruitment and employee retention rates. Many people would prefer to work in companies or organizations with appropriate working conditions and strong environmental protection policies.

Even though sustainable fashion can take longer to make a single garment than fast-fashion products, employees are provided with appropriate working conditions that are safe and healthy. These include reasonable hours and breaks to make them comfortable at work. Thus, these conditions are appropriate for retaining employees as well as attracting additional workers during recruitment (3).

Therefore, before you shop next time check if the brands pay fair wages. Usually sustainably clothing brands pay fair wages to their employees. On the other hand, fast fashion brands tend to pay employees in developing countries under the living wage.

Sustainable fashion also utilizes local production and sourcing. This also increases transparency in the supply chain and guarantees appropriate working conditions and environmentally friendly production.

In addition, sustainable fashion businesses can even communicate their progressive sustainability goals to help build or improve their brand image. The adoption of sustainable fashion production illustrates a business’s responsibility toward society and the environment. With many customers now preferring to buy environmentally friendly products, a related brand image can help attract more customers to the business. 

Finally, sustainable fashion ensures that products have a long lifespan. This attracts customers, reduces production and manufacturing costs, and has a beneficial impact on the environment, society and the economy. For these reasons, individuals are encouraged to adopt sustainable fashion.

• So what can we do for sustainable fashion?

• Next time you go clothes shopping:
  • Remember to check if the products are from sustainable fashion brands
  • Try to recycle your old clothes

References

1. Bhardwaj, G. and Ditty, S. (2018) Understanding Sustainable Fashion. [online] Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank. Available at: <https://www.chathamhouse.org/2018/10/understandingsustainablefashion?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6pOTBhCTARIsAHF23fJ67tIVH8kbXjpTmHYUZyrjLL0uv4kXSntDhDZLlAGMIuKebUvFLoaAqYiEALw_wcB>.
2. Alves, A. (2021) What EXACTLY Is Sustainable Fashion & Why Is SO Important . [Online] The VOU. Available at: <https://thevou.com/fashion/sustainable-fashion/>.
3. Henninger, C.E., Alevizou, P.J. and Oates, C.J. (2016) What is sustainable fashion? Journal of Fashion Markworketing and Management: An International Journal.
4. Pucker, K. (2022) The Myth of Sustainable Fashion. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: <https://hbr.org/2022/01/the-myth-of-sustainable-fashion> [Accessed 26 April 2022].
5. Shafie, S., Kamis, A., Ramli, M. F., Abu Bedor, S., & Ahmad Puad, F. N. (2021). Fashion Sustainability: Benefits of Using Sustainable Practices in Producing Sustainable Fashion Designs. International Business Education Journal, 14(1), 103-111. https://doi.org/10.37134/ibej.vol14.1.9.2021
6. Kim, E.D. (2010) The influence of sustainability and social responsibility on fashion trends. International Journal of Costume and Fashion, 10(2), pp.61-71.
7. Jacobs, K., Petersen, L., Hörisch, J. and Battenfeld, D. (2018) Green thinking but thoughtless buying? An empirical extension of the value-attitude-behavior hierarchy in sustainable clothing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 203, pp.1155-1169.

The post Why Is Sustainable Fashion Important To You? first appeared on wbsdigital.

Sneakers have evolved from their original function as a display of athleticism to become marketable and fashionable objects of desire. They  have become cultural symbols that went  from basic commodities to undeniable pieces of fashion.

In 2020, the worldwide sneaker market was valued at roughly US$79 billion, and it is expected to reach US$120 billion by 2026. Moreover, the sneaker industry has progressed to the point that new worldwide exhibitions like the one at the London’s Design Museum, looks at how sneakers have become an uncontested cultural emblem of our time. As a result, sneakers have evolved from a niche item to a highly prized fashion accessory. Footwear is now the most popular product category in the global luxury market, and sneakers have played a key role in this expansion. Furthermore, in the luxury shoe market, high fashion companies such as Gucci and Dior are setting the pace. Dior’s B23 sneakers became the best-selling luxury shoe in 2019 and its appeal appears to be unstoppable.

How did it all start ?

Like said before, the “shoe game” has exploded in popularity during the last ten years. In 2012, just a small percentage of the population was interested in sneakers, and it was considered a niche hobby. Moreover, statistics show that the sector was valued less than $35 billion at the time. Today, by the end of the year, its market capitalization will have more than doubled to $86 billion. It all started with the first pair of sports shoe that was created in the 1830s by John Boyd Dunlop who founded the Liverpool Rubber Company. Decades later, in the late nineteenth century, a period that was marked by industrial advancement and social upheaval, as well as a growing interest in sports, particularly tennis led to the creation of a more specialised sort of footwear, which Dunlop’s rubber sole could provide. In 1929, Dunlop introduced the Green Flash type, which was first worn by tennis legend Fred Perry at Wimbledon. The Converse All Star, which was created for basketball, was another notable 20th-century sports shoe.

Adidas and Nike, on the other hand, have moulded the sneaker’s transition from sport to style. These two brands are the main actors of this “hype” around sneakers. For a little bit of history,

Adi Dassler established the company in Germany in 1924 as “Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik,” which was subsequently renamed Adidas in 1949. Jessie Owens wore the first track shoe designed by the brand with a full leather sole and hand-forged spikes at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight founded Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964, which later became Nike Inc. in 1971. This corresponded with the running craze that swept the United States. The Cortez, a cushioned running shoe, was Nike’s first commercial product. The brand’s cultural prominence was cemented when Tom Hanks wore the Cortez in the six time award winning Oscars movie, Forrest Gump.

The emergence of the “hype era” :

The 1970s were characterised by an underground sneaker culture and the rise of hip-hop. As an example, Adidas’ Samba design became a prominent aspect of Terrace Fashion within the football fan subculture. Run-DMC released the song My Adidas in 1986, which led to a sponsorship arrangement with the brand. This cemented the sneaker’s indelible role in pop culture. But it’s only in the 1980s that sneakers the phenomenon began. The release of Nike Air Jordan’s resulted in the commodification of sneakers and their appeal as status symbols, which was fuelled by celebrity or athletes sponsorships and endorsements.

All thought sneakers were always considered as items that can make a fashion statement and make a person look cool or fashionable, it’s only by 2010 and the digital age with sneaker marketing and resell culture that the sneaker market exploded and created this hype around it. The expanding number of “sneakerheads” who collect and trade shoes has helped to sustain this “hype cult status”.

Limited edition sneakers featuring a celebrity, hip-hop artist, or athlete are regularly released by Nike and Adidas. It is not uncommon for people to go to great efforts to obtain these rare models, even if it means queuing all night or spending crazy amounts of money. The price also generates this hype around sneakers, the more expensive a shoe is the more hype it is and the other way around works, the more hype a shoe is the more expensive it is.

These sneakers usually have a retail value between 140£ to 250£ in very exclusive drops but they can be reselling for thousands of pounds. The lucrative sneaker resale industry has spawned a new cult of sneakerheads who are creating major buzz and personal profit through their entrepreneurial drive. Sneakers are the most popular footwear in the world, from sports to fashion. Despite their general acceptance, sneakers maintain their appeal as cultural symbols.

What’s a sneakerhead ? And 5 signs you might be one :

Individuals that collect, trade, and/or admire sneakers are known as sneakerheads. The majority are educated about the history of sneakers and are really passionate about anything in relation with sneakers or streetwear. Sneakerheads were regarded to be a craze group that indulged in excessive shopping habits when they first appeared on the scene. However, due to the sale and resell activity within the sneaker community, sneakerheads have had such a financial impact on the industry over the years. Sneakerheads seek out limited-edition sneaker collections and celebrity partnerships, which generate a sense of exclusivity and hypeness amongst them. As a result, buying behaviours, as well as unique norms and customs, are engendered inside the Sneakerhead community.

Sneakerhead culture started in the late 1970s/early 1980s when streetwear became linked with footwear, and iconic shoes like the suede Puma Clydes, Adidas Shell Toes, and Converse Chuck Taylors made their debut. Nonetheless, the 1985 release of the Nike Air Jordan 1s is credited by a huge majority of Sneakerheads as their introduction to the sneaker culture. The shoe earned prominence as a result of its association with Michael Jordan, arguably one of the most popular athletes of all time. Since its debut in 1985, the Air Jordan series has grown in popularity and now accounts for more than half of the basketball shoe market. The series now features multiple collections or “shoe drops”  since 1985, and more than 100 million pairs of Air Jordans have been sold.

What makes you a sneakerhead ?

1. You wait impatiently for every release and you are willing to spend a night out to queue for a pair.
2. You have paid more than retail price for a pair of sneakers
3. People usually tell you that you have a “shoe problem”
4. You clean every pair that you own after wearing it
5. You follow more than ten sneaker pages on social media

The reselling business : Too much ?

Sneakers nowadays sell for a lot of money. They have gained great popularity, but it took a few distinct fads to reach to the point where people are willing to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on them. Celebrity partnerships, a more casual society, and astute shoe releases have all fuelled demand for high-end, high-quality sneakers.

Sneakers can sell and resell for a lot of money, whether they’re on the auction block, in the store, or in the hands of resellers, their price can skyrocket very fast depending on the hype around them. Some Air Jordan’s for example can fetch up to $2,000 on the reselling market when they only retail around a price of 160$. A Canadian investor paid $437,500 for a pair of extremely rare diamond Jordans.The hype, on the other hand, is still at an all-time high. Everywhere in the world now days, sneakers have become the “ultimate prestige symbol.” Certain exclusive collaboration and “drops” led even sometimes to violence and mayhem as the crowd tried to get their hands on the shoe before everyone else.

Several industry professionals try to understand why people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a new pair of shoes. The advent of sneaker culture, the mainstreaming of casual wear, and shoemakers buzzy releases have all been highlighted as contributors in the increased price of sneakers.

Furthermore, non-athlete influencers’ continuous contributions to the sneaker business have helped breathe new life into the increasingly “stagnating storytelling” that athlete-focused sneakers had relied on. Entertainers can tap into a larger fan base, and they’ve helped elevate the status of sneakers by turning the focus away from performance and toward style and “coolness”. A fan of a professional basketball player may be drawn to a shoe’s design or durability on the court, but someone who idolises Kanye West or Travis Scott’s fashion sense is more concerned with what their sneakers express to the world. Some of these collaboration sneakers can today go for thousands of dollars in the reselling market.

The post The world of sneakers :Where is this “Hype” coming from ? first appeared on wbsdigital.

1. Invest in Neutrals 

I can not stress this enough, buy neutrals!! In order to be stylish, it’s extremely important to have a good base of neutrals in your wardrobe. Here is a list of items that should always be available in your wardrobe. 

• Black blazer
• White shirt
• White, black, nude t shirt / tank tops  
• Nude coat
• Black coat
• Black dress
• Black, white hoodie
• Black, white joggers
• Black jeans 

Fashion indeed is full of colors and different patterns, however neutrals are not as monotonous or repetitive, it’s a main component of an outfit. Once you have a neutral base, you can then add a pop of color, or  matchy accessories. Neutrals are mainly nude, white, black, gray, and camel. 

2. Don’t focus too much on latest trends

They are all called trends for a reason, they are temporary not permanent. It would be a total waste of money to spend a lot on trends that will disappear after a couple of months. Budgets vary from different people, therefore if you really like a trending item, the best thing to do is spend a small amount by not getting it from designer brands. 

Some people use the latest trends to base their style, as they struggle and trends inspire them. Therefore, if you are one of those people, I would advise you to organize a fixed budget that will cover your shopping expenses in terms of the latest trends every couple of months. 

The question one should ask themselves before investing in a trendy item is: Will I wear it in a couple of years or will it be at the back of my wardrobe full of dust? The answer would be yes if you are a person that does not rely on trends, you have your own fashion identity and already have a precise style. However if the answer is no, then you should not be spending all your money on the latest trends. 

3. Keep up with sales online & offline

Nothing beats online sales, we have all heard about the crazy sales online steeping as low as 99p. Offline sales are mostly seasonal sales such as summer sales or winter sales, however online, there are many year round sales at unexpected times that end quickly. 

You should also keep up with seasonal sales for certain high end brands where you can get an item from your wishlist at a low price. The main online sales are on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and Easter. 

4. Invest on timeless designer items 

Investing in classic designer pieces is a smart idea, I mean you will be spending some good money on designer items, however they are timeless. They are always trendy, do not go out of fashion, and can always be worn to complete outfits. Personally, I believe that it is totally worth it to save up during the year to buy a designer item that will last long. 

Many designer websites have made available on their homepage a section for the classics category, staples that go with any outfit. 

5. Vintage, thrift, second-hand  

Another great idea to save up yet be fashionable, is to shop at vintage stores, thrift shops, and second hand pieces. Thrift shops offer stylish clothing, and to be honest, thrift shopping is definitely trendy at the moment, and provides a fun experience. 

Thrift shops also allow the shopper to get items that he or she couldn’t get before, the clothes are usually great quality and should look great after a quick wash. 

On the other hand, vintage clothing automatically means stylish, old pieces that are timeless, and become trendy after a couple of years. We have all witnessed the comeback of mom jeans, baguette bags, etc.. 

Second-hand or pre owned goods are also a great way for saving up on designer items. If you really want that Gucci bag or those channel sliders, you can easily get them for half price through pre-owned shops or online websites. On a personal note, my favorite pre-owned app to use is Vestiaire Collective, a very famous website/app that offers thousands of designer items for everyone’s tastes. 

6. Closet clean outs 

Don’t you think that selling some of your own clothes that you don’t particularly wear would help you save up? I do! 

That is why I would advise you to filter out your wardrobe, take out that dusty sweater you don’t wear from the back of your wardrobe and sell them on an online marketplace. My favorite apps to use are Depop & Vinted. 

Closet clean outs are so important in order to keep up with fashion, getting rid of the pieces that are never worn would allow you to earn money and therefore save up to buy new trendy items. 

7. No impulsive purchases 

Impulsive behavior leads to regret, guilt, and most probably you being broke! Shopping should be a fun experience not an experience that leads to impulsive behavior. 

If your wardrobe has everything and you don’t need anything new, there is no need to buy something that is first of all not worth it, and secondly a complete waste of money. This kind of behavior leads the person to not respect their budget by buying items they don’t necessarily need, and having a closet full of nothing homogenous to complete outfits. 

8. Plan your shopping sprees 

Planning your shopping sprees allows you to organize yourself, know when you will be spending money on clothes, how much money you will be spending, what you will be buying more or less. 

Another great way to organize yourself regarding shopping, is to make a wish list of items you need/want, according to certain categories such as clothing, accessories, shoes. This would allow you to not impulsively buy items you don’t necessarily need. 

9. Alternatives for trends 

A great way to keep up with the latest fashion trends is to shop at stores such as ZARA, PRIMARK, ASOS that are always up to date with fashion trends. These stores always offer the same trendy items that you see in designer brands yet at a lower price, therefore you get to participate in the trend, be stylish, without exceeding your budget. 

10. Websites that offer sales 

There are many websites that offer sales, such as: 

• Lyst 
• Asos
• Shein 
• Theoutnet 

Lyst and Theoutnet have designer items that are sometimes on sale up to 70%. Asos is an online marketplace that groups many brands, different styles that also sometimes has sales. Shein on the other hand, is the cheapest one of all, with so many sales throughout the website in different categories. Of course the quality differs from website to another, from brand to another, however everything depends on the shopper’s tastes and preferences. 

11. Rule of three 

The rule of three is one of my favorite tricks to save up while shopping. Basically, you go to a store and you really love a white shirt. The smart thing to do is to think about 3 ways you can wear that shirt, with 3 different outfits. This simply helps you save up by buying one shirt that can be worn three ways or even more if you are creative enough! 

Now imagine doing this with all of the items you buy, you would actually save up so much and end up with so many fashionable outfits! Also, if you think of it, imagine buying pants that you know you will wear only once or twice in your life, is it really worth it? Not in my opinion, especially if they are expensive and will lead me to exceeding my budget! 

12. Don’t underestimate accessories 

Accessories are so important when building an outfit, they are not the base of the outfit, but they are definitely complementary. Accessories allow you to spice up the outfit by adding either jewelry, glasses, bag, scarf, hat, etc.. 

Imagine yourself on a turquoise beach, having dinner by the sea during sunset time, golden tan, and wearing gold earrings with a white dress! Wouldn’t it elevate the outfit by making you look classy yet exotic? It can add up so much to a fit, for example, you can wear a simple all white or all black outfit but enhance it by adding a pop of color with a stylish bag or cool sunglasses. 

Accessories catch people’s eyes and make your outfit look 10 times more stylish. Accessories can be bought from any store according to one’s budget running from 3 pounds to 150 pounds or more.

The post How to be fashionable on a budget – Tips & Tricks first appeared on wbsdigital.

‘The Male Gaze Theory’ – Laura Mulvey

‘Olympia’, Manet – A discussion of visual culture

#MoreWomen – Discrimination of women at the top

Pride and Prejudice – Stereotypes used in fashion marketing practices

The End – How we can put a stop to the over-sexualisation of women in the media

‘The Male Gaze Theory’ – Laura Mulvey

Laura Mulvey published the ground-breaking ‘Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema’ in 1989, in which we are faced with the first instance of the ‘Male Gaze’ Theory, a concept many were not ready for at the time of its release. The theory, in its essence, states that women are depicted from a heterosexual male point of view. They are portrayed as sexual objects for the pleasure of male viewers. In media (e.g. film, literature, art. etc) women are subjected to seeing other women depicted as nothing more than an object to be admired; dehumanising and objectifying them based on their beauty and sex appeal [1]. The ‘Male Gaze’ theory can be found throughout countless fashion campaigns, including, but not limited to:

• Tom Ford
• Boohoo
• Fashionova
• American Apparel
• Dolce & Gabbana

Nude women often placed with fully clothed men show the use of the male gaze to create a pleasurable viewing experience for male consumers, whilst expecting female consumers to desire the effect produced by the scantily clad woman. For example, the image below from a Tom Ford campaign shows clear intent to place the focus on the female in a sexual manner, despite the campaign being aimed at men’s glasses, making the requirement for nudity or sexuality void and irrelevant to the image.

The Male Gaze Theory is seen far more often than we would initially expect in all types of media, specifically film, music, and fashion communications.

‘Olympia’, Manet – A discussion of visual culture

To see the Male Gaze in action outside of the fashion context, the classic painting, ‘Olympia’ is an exceptional example. ‘Olympia’ – created in 1863 by Édouard Manet – was a rebellious piece of artwork during its time. It was negatively received by its audience due to it lacking the elevation of classical art [3], taken as a mockery of traditional nude art. One of the main points in ‘Olympia’, is that the woman in the image is not depicted as doing anything. Whilst many nude paintings of the time had women bathing or dressing, etc. Manet left ‘Olympia’ doing nothing. Simply staring into the viewers’ eyes; not suggestively, simply looking. This was strikingly contrasting to the demure nude women in paintings during the 1800s, shying away from their painter, and their eventual audience. Manet often experimented with the subject of his paintings looking directly at the viewer, however, ‘Olympia’ was different, as it acted as a confrontation to the audience. Male viewers were often used to viewing women in art as objects of attraction. However, ‘Olympia’ is nothing to be attracted to. Instead, she confronts the male viewer and turns him into the one being viewed as an object of attraction.

#MoreWomen – Discrimination of women at the top

With cultural references dating back to the 1800s and further, the question remains, ‘is there space in our evolving global culture for sexualised marketing techniques?’.

Women are facing gross inequity in the workplace, specifically in politics and senior positions. There is not only a lack of women in these positions but they are scrutinised to a much higher degree than their male counterparts. The video below produced by Elle puts this into perspective.

To further put into perspective the unequal environment, only ’24.3% of all national parliamentarians were women’ in June 2019 [4] and just 21% of C-Suite positions were held by women according to the McKinsey ‘Women in the Workplace‘ Report for 2020 [5].

So, what does this have to do with sexualised marketing? It may not inherently cause these issues, but it does play into them. With business fashion being hyper-sexualised in the women’s department, it perpetuates the idea that women are less capable, and an object of desire, as Laura Mulvey discussed in the Male Gaze Theory.

Pride and Prejudice – Stereotypes used in fashion marketing practices

Aside from business fashion, many other niches in fashion marketing use this technique, from everyday wear, resort and loungewear, down to children’s wear, with girl’s clothing often being shorter, tighter and more expensive than boy’s clothing. This extends the stereotype past adults, starting the prejudice and ‘Pink Tax’ from a very young age.

Alongside this, nudity of women in marketing is used commonly to attract both male and female consumers. About a decade ago, this manifested heavily in online and offline storefronts, billboards, and magazines. However, with social media taking over marketing, it has been moved into this space. The use of nudity and near-nudity on social media is past just company posts but has moved into the influencer space. Influencers portray the consumer within marketing, in which brands will request certain styles of posts in exchange for items or pay. There are many brands that request sexually charges or scantily clad posts to portray the business in that light. However, this can sometimes backfire, with children as young as 13 allowed on most platforms, not to mention those lying about their age. Whilst censoring is not the answer, a consideration of what is being posted, and whether it is truly relevant to the product should come into play.

On the other side, we can see a double standard for women in higher-up positions, for example, female politicians are often scrutinised for what they wear, with the public, press and even certain brands, publishing extremely opinionated and often sexist remarks regarding their appearance, with a lack of regard for anything they are speaking on or producing. This can be seen specifically in the Daily Mail, The Sun and many more press publications, as well as within the comment section of these posts from the public.

The End – How we can put a stop to the over-sexualisation of women in the media

So, how can we change the situation, and remove sexist messaging from the fashion media industry? Removing nudity, near nudity and introducing censoring will not work, and will most likely make the situation worse. The key is in how women are portrayed in fashion media and how relevant nudity or sexualisation is to the brand message.

For example, Dove is a positive example of using near nudity in their campaigns to normalise different body shapes, types, and sizes. It is relevant being that they are a skincare and shower product company, and, most importantly, the women in the campaigns were not being sexualised, but were more so existing happily in their own skin.

This is a vastly different experience, for example, to American Apparel, which created campaigns of girls in an extremely sexual manner, with insinuations taking over any other messaging. Whilst they were wearing more clothing than in the Dove campaign, it was still far more inappropriate and didn’t relate to the brand itself. This is a prime example of over-sexualisation hindering women and their rights to be taken seriously in all aspects of life, specifically in the professional world.

Following the footsteps of those brands portraying women in a positive light, through liberation and acceptance, fashion, press and more could further the feminist movement, rather than hindering it through sexist visuals and remarks. Consumers can encourage this behaviour by engaging with brands that show a positive side to marketing and media involving women, whilst avoiding those that do not.

To answer the question, Are Fashion Marketing Practices Hindering the Feminist Movement? Yes. But it does not have to be that way. Learning from past mistakes, actively avoiding the Male Gaze, specifically in women’s media, and unlearning misogynistic actions towards women in the workplace are the pillars for changing the answer to ‘No’. As these mindsets change and become more female-forward, we can expect fashion brands and media to follow suit.

Links

[1] http://https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/media/1021/Laura%2520Mulvey,%2520Visual%2520Pleasure.pdf

[2] https://www.mindlessmag.com/post/is-there-a-place-for-sexualised-fashion-advertising-in-2020

[3] https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/becoming-modern/avant-garde-france/realism/a/manet-olympia

[4] https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-partici­pation/facts-and-figures

[5] https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace#

The post Fashion, Media, and Sex: Are Fashion Marketing Practices Hindering the Feminist Movement? first appeared on wbsdigital.